MANILA -- While chocolates, stuffed toys, jewelry or other fancy stuff make hearts flutter, most women still choose flowers as their preferred gift this Valentines' Day.
This is because women consider flowers to be the most romantic gift the planet has to offer. Be it roses, stargazers, tulips, magnolias, or daisies, ladies consider getting bouquets of their favorite flower as a sign that they are deeply loved by their other half.
"Ibig sabihin kasi ng bulaklak nabibigyan ka ng halaga ng tao. Kaya gusto ko pa rin ng bulaklak sa (Flowers mean that a person values you, so I still want flowers for) Valentines' Day. In my opinion, simbolo din ito ng pagpapakita mo ng halaga at pagmamahal sa taong minamahal mo (it symbolizes your affection for the one you love)," said Eileen V. Montreal, 56, a resident of Manila.
For 49-year-old Marilou Embudo, of Sta. Maria, Bulacan, receiving flowers makes her feel special.
"Masarap makatanggap ng bulaklak kapag araw ng puso dahil parang espesyal ka sa araw na 'yon. Bahagi na ng aking buhay, na kapag sasapit ang Valentines' Day, nakakatanggap ako sa asawa at tatlong lalaki kong anak ng bulaklak at mga regalo. Ang bulaklak ay sumisimbolo sa pagmamahal nila sa akin (It feels good to get flowers on Valentine's Day because you feel special on that day. On this day, I receive flowers and gifts from my husband and three sons. These flowers symbolize their love for me. It has become part of my life)," she added.
For 54-year-old Milagros Mulig from Mandaluyong, giving flowers is a gesture of love.
"At ang bulaklak ay hindi lang for Valentine's. Binibigay din ito to say thank you and sorry. Dapat ang pagmamahal hindi lang puro salita, nasa gawa din tulad ng pagbibigay ng bulaklak at pagiging sweet sa sinisinta mo (Flowers are not only given on Valentine's Day. They are also given when you say thank you and sorry. Love is not just about words. It also requires actions, such as giving of flowers and being sweet to your significant other)," she added.
While receiving flowers is a good thing, 21-year-old Hazel Gane Pilapil of Pasay City prefers her prospective suitors to show some effort in courting her.
While for Crysalie Montalbo, 20, of Makati City, flowers give comfort, especially if these are given by someone she loves. (With reports from Darwin C. Pesco, OJT/PNA)
